Pocket tab closure system/device and method

ABSTRACT

A pocket tab closure; a pocket fastener may be configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket, the pocket fastener having a securing width measured along the opening axis and the securing width being less than the opening width. The pocket fastener also having an adjustable securing height measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket. The pocket fastener may be adjustable between a first securing configuration having a first securing height and a second securing configuration having a second securing height greater than the first securing height. The pocket fastener is useful for keeping glasses, cell phones and other items from falling out of pocket when bending over.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/409,826 filed 18 Oct. 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of pockets for garments of existing art and more specifically relates to a pocket tab closure.

2. Description of Related Art

A pocket is a bag- or envelope-like receptacle either fastened to or inserted in an article of clothing to hold small items. Pockets may also be attached to luggage, backpacks, and similar items. In older usage, a pocket was a separate small bag or pouch. Camp pockets are pockets which have been sewn to the outside of the garment. They are usually squared off and are characterized by seaming. Normally a breast pocket is placed on any kind of shirt but usually a work shirt. It is a patch pocket with a shaped bottom and a turned back and top-stitched welt effect at the top. A patch pocket with a flap is basically the same, but with a bagged out flap, the same width as the patch and stitched above the patch, to cover the opening. It is finished with a button or stud fastening. Although these pockets have proven to be effective for securing small items within the pocket if a user wishes to secure a slightly larger item such as a pair of glasses or a cell phone the flap cannot be closed effectively and the item has a tendency to fall out if the user bends over.

U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0096628 to Victor Eugene Grady relates to a pocket tab closure. The described personal item protector apparatus includes an apparatus and a system for support and/or holder for implements, and more specifically, for the securement and transport of personal items such as eyewear is provided. The apparatus may be used with a shirt. For example, the shirt can include a first protector pocket attached to the shirt, the first protector pocket including a pull tab loop with an open portion in the center. The shirt can also include a second protector pocket attached to the shirt, the second protector pocket including a vertical loop. A first shorter pocket can be in front of a second taller pocket. The pocket can include a notch such as a semi-circular notch, a rectangular notch formed on the face of the pocket or a notch that is formed on the side of the pocket and defined by two areas of stitching, one above the notch and a second below the notch.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known pockets for garments art, the present disclosure provides a novel pocket tab closure. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a pocket fastener system entitled, ‘pocket tab closure system/device and method’, useful for holding and securing items on/in a garment.

A pocket tab closure is disclosed herein. The first embodiment comprises a system for externally securing a personal item, the system comprising: an outerwear garment, a closed-bottom pocket fixed to the outerwear garment, the closed-bottom pocket may be configured to carry the personal item. The closed-bottom pocket includes an opening configured to receive a personal item into the closed-bottom pocket from outside of the outerwear garment. The opening having an opening width measured along an opening axis and a pocket fastener, fixed to the outerwear garment.

The pocket fastener may be configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket, the pocket fastener having a securing width measured along the opening axis and the securing width being less than the opening width. The pocket fastener also has an adjustable securing height measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket. The pocket fastener may be adjustable between a first securing configuration having a first securing height and a second securing configuration having a second securing height greater than the first securing height.

A second embodiment comprises a pocket fastener for externally securing a personal item in a closed-bottom pocket of an outerwear garment not having a pocket. The closed-bottom pocket of this embodiment includes an opening configured to receive the personal item into the closed-bottom pocket that may be affixable to the outside of the outerwear garment not having a pocket, also includes an opening having an opening width measured along an opening axis and the pocket fastener is structured and arranged to be affixable to the outerwear garment not having a pocket.

The pocket fastener can be configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket. The pocket fastener having a securing width measured along the opening axis; the securing width being less than the opening width, additionally the pocket fastener may also have an adjustable securing height measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket. Thus the pocket fastener may be adjustable between a first securing configuration having a first securing height and a second securing configuration having a second securing height greater than the first securing height.

A third embodiment comprises a system for externally securing a personal item into a pocket of an outerwear garment, the system comprising: an outerwear garment fastener configured to attach to the outerwear garment with a closed-bottom pocket fixed to the outerwear garment and the closed-bottom pocket being configured to carry the personal item. The closed-bottom pocket including an opening configured to receive the personal item into the closed-bottom pocket from outside of the outerwear garment and the opening having an opening width measured along an opening axis.

The pocket fastener of this embodiment may be fixed or affixed to the outerwear garment, so that the pocket fastener may be arranged to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket. The pocket fastener has a securing width measured along the opening axis and the securing width, being less than the opening width in addition to the pocket fastener also having an adjustable securing height measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket. This embodiment of the pocket fastener can also be adjustable between a first securing configuration having a first securing height and a second securing configuration having a second securing height greater than the first securing height.

According to another embodiment, a pocket tab closure is also disclosed herein. The pocket tab closure includes an OEM outer garment, a fixable/afixable pocket tab closure system for an outer garment not having a pocket, and a tab closure with fasteners for an outer garment having an open pocket.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a pocket tab closure, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pocket tab closure during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to pockets for garments and more particularly to a pocket tab closure as used to improve the securing of items in a garment.

Generally speaking, the pocket tab closure is a pocket holder for securing glasses, cell phone or personal item into the pocket safely. It is useful for keeping glasses, cell phones and other items from falling out of pocket when bending over. The device comprises a pocket with an adjustable tab that includes a detachable closure tab without covering the entire pocket opening and it makes it easy and safe to secure personal items in a shirt pocket.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a pocket tab closure, system 100. FIG. 1 shows a system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the system 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 140 to secure items to be carried in relation to a garment.

According to one embodiment, the system 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, the system 100 may further include a set of instructions 155. The instructions 155 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the system 100 (such that the system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner).

A system (100) (OEM version) is disclosed for externally securing a personal item such as a pair of eye glasses 102, the system 100, comprising an outerwear garment and a closed-bottom pocket 120, fixed to the outerwear garment 122. The closed-bottom pocket 120, includes an opening which may be configured to receive a personal item into the closed-bottom pocket 120, from outside of the outerwear garment 122. The opening has an opening width measured along an opening axis and a pocket fastener 107, fixed to the outerwear garment 122, and a pocket fastener 107, which may be configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket 120.

FIG. 2 shows the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the pocket tab closure 100 may include a system comprising an outerwear garment 122, a closed-bottom pocket 120, and a pocket fastener 107. The pocket fastener 107 may include a securing width measured along the opening axis and a securing width being less than the opening width. Further, the pocket fastener 107 may have an adjustable securing height 135, measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket 120.

The pocket fastener 107 may be adjustable between a first securing configuration 136, having a first securing height 138, and a second securing configuration 137, having a second securing height 139, greater than the first securing height 138. The pocket fastener 107 preferably comprises loop fastening means 110, and the closed-bottom pocket 120, comprises hook fastening means 112. Other fastening means may be used.

The loop fastening means 110 may be removably couplable repeatedly to the hook fastening means 112, as needed. Further, the loop fastening means 110 is removably couplable repeatedly to the hook fastening means 112, at a desired user-preferred-adjusted-length wherein the user-preferred-adjusted-length is determined by a carried item in the closed-bottom pocket 120. For example, the pocket fastener 107 may be removably fastened at a longer reach for an item such as a pair of glasses 102, as shown in FIG. 1 or alternatively it may be secured for a smaller item such as a cell phone 103, shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, the pocket fastener 107 is located centrally in relation to the closed-bottom pocket 120, and the pocket fastener 107, is also located above the closed-bottom pocket 120, and arranged so that the pocket fastener 107 can be brought into contact with the closed-bottom pocket 120, during use.

FIGS. 3A & 3B is a perspective view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A pocket fastener system 200, (second embodiment) for externally securing a personal item in a closed-bottom pocket 120, of an outerwear garment 122, not having a pocket, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B & 5B. The closed-bottom pocket 120 may include a pocket having an opening configured to receive the personal item into the closed-bottom pocket 120, from outside of the outerwear garment 122, and the opening may have an opening width measured along an opening axis.

The pocket fastener system 200 can be affixable to the outerwear garment 122, that does not include a pocket. Further the affixable pocket fastener system 200 can be configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket 120. The affixable pocket fastener system 200 having a securing width measured along the opening axis, the securing width being less than the opening width.

The affixable pocket fastener system 200, also having an adjustable securing height 135, measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket 120, the pocket fastener 107, may be adjustable between a first securing configuration 136, having a first securing height 138, and a second securing configuration 137, having a second securing height 139, greater than the first securing height 138. The affixable pocket fastener system 200 may be rectangular in shape wherein the pocket fastener 107, passes over the closed-bottom pocket 122, during use. The pocket fastener system 200 may further include a semi-rigid insert 114. The semi-rigid insert 114, promotes a consistent form of the pocket fastener 107, during use despite undergoing repeated wash and use cycles. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastening arrangements such as, for example, clips, adhesive, zipping fasteners, button and eyelet, snaps, etc., may be sufficient.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the pocket tab closure of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A system (300) (third embodiment) for externally securing a personal item to an outerwear garment 122; the system comprising an outerwear garment pocket fastener 107, configured to attach to the outerwear garment 122, the outerwear garment 122, including closed-bottom pocket 120, configured to carry the personal item and a closed-bottom pocket 120, including an opening configured to receive the personal item into the closed-bottom pocket 120, from outside of the outerwear garment 122.

The opening should have an opening width measured along an opening axis such that a pocket fastener 107 may be affixed to the outerwear garment 122, so that the pocket fastener 107 may be configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket 120. Additionally this embodiment of the pocket fastener 107 may have a securing width measured along the opening axis and a securing width being less than the opening width. The pocket fastener 107, of this embodiment also may include an adjustable securing height 135, measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket 120, and the pocket fastener 107, may be adjustable between a first securing configuration 136, having a first securing height 138, and a second securing configuration 137, having a second securing height 139, greater than the first securing height.

This embodiment of the pocket fastener 107, may be affixable to the outerwear garment 122, via a button 109, sewing process, hook and loop fastener 145, adhesively or any manner preferred by the user. The pocket fastener 107 may also be comprised of fabric, plastic, leather or other desirable material.

FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C show embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 5C is a view of a kit for the present invention. The pocket tab closure system 100 may be sold as kit comprising the following parts: at least one affixable pocket fastener 300, at least one pocket fastener system 200; at least one hook and loop fastener 145; at least one button 109; at least one outerwear garment 122; and at least one set of user instructions 155. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). The pocket tab closure system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

A method for pocket fastener system 200 and affixable pocket fastener 300 may include the steps of: step one 501, sewing to an outer garment; step two 502, affixing to an outer garment; step three 503, adjusting.

It should be noted that step 501 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for pocket fastening (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A system for externally securing a personal item, the system comprising: a outerwear garment; a closed-bottom pocket fixed to the outerwear garment, the closed-bottom pocket configured to carry the personal item, the closed-bottom pocket including an opening configured to receive the personal item into the closed-bottom pocket from outside of the outerwear garment, the opening having an opening width measured along an opening axis; and a pocket fastener, fixed to the outerwear garment, the pocket fastener configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket, the pocket fastener having a securing width measured along the opening axis, the securing width being less than the opening width, the pocket fastener also having an adjustable securing height measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket, the pocket fastener adjustable between a first securing configuration having a first securing height and a second securing configuration having a second securing height greater than the first securing height.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pocket fastener comprises loop fastening means.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the closed-bottom pocket comprises hook fastening means.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the loop fastening means is removably couplable repeatedly to the hook fastening means, as needed.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the loop fastening means is removably couplable repeatedly to the hook fastening means at a desired user-preferred-adjusted-length.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the user-preferred-adjusted-length is determined by a carried item in the closed-bottom pocket.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the pocket fastener is located centrally in relation to the closed-bottom pocket.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the pocket fastener is located above the closed-bottom pocket.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the pocket fastener is brought into contact with the closed-bottom pocket during use.
 10. A pocket fastener for externally securing a personal item in a closed-bottom pocket of an outerwear garment, the closed-bottom pocket including an opening configured to receive the personal item into the closed-bottom pocket from outside of the outerwear garment, the opening having an opening width measured along an opening axis the pocket fastener affixable to the outerwear garment, the pocket fastener configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket, the pocket fastener having a securing width measured along the opening axis, the securing width being less than the opening width, the pocket fastener also having an adjustable securing height measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket, the pocket fastener adjustable between a first securing configuration having a first securing height and a second securing configuration having a second securing height greater than the first securing height.
 11. The pocket fastener of claim 10, wherein the pocket fastener is rectangular in shape.
 12. The pocket fastener of claim 10, wherein the pocket fastener passes over the closed-bottom pocket during use.
 13. The pocket fastener of claim 10, wherein the pocket fastener comprises a semi-rigid insert.
 14. The pocket fastener of claim 13, wherein the semi-rigid insert promotes a consistent form of the pocket fastener during use despite undergoing repeated wash and use cycles.
 15. A system for externally securing a personal item to an outerwear garment, the system comprising: an outerwear garment fastener configured to attach to the outerwear garment; a closed-bottom pocket affixed to the outerwear garment, the closed-bottom pocket configured to carry the personal item, the closed-bottom pocket including an opening configured to receive the personal item into the closed-bottom pocket from outside of the outerwear garment, the opening having an opening width measured along an opening axis; and a pocket fastener, affixed to the outerwear garment, the pocket fastener configured to limit egress of the personal item from the closed-bottom pocket, the pocket fastener having a securing width measured along the opening axis, the securing width being less than the opening width, the pocket fastener also having an adjustable securing height measured perpendicular to the opening axis and outward from the closed-bottom pocket, and the pocket fastener adjustable between a first securing configuration having a first securing height and a second securing configuration having a second securing height greater than the first securing height.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the pocket fastener, is affixed to the outerwear garment via a button.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the pocket fastener, is affixed to the outerwear garment via a sewing process.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the pocket fastener, is affixed to the outerwear garment via a hook and loop fastener.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the pocket fastener comprises fabric.
 20. The system of claim 15, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the system is arranged as a kit. 